Applications of Raman-based techniques to on-site and in-vivo analysis

Raman-based technologies have proved to be excellent tools for on-site and in-vivo analysis, due to the non-invasive nature of their detection, their capability of providing structure information, their high tolerance to aqueous samples, the ultra-sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and resonance Raman scattering (RRS), the high spatial resolution of tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS), and the ultrashort spectra-acquisition time for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS). In this review, we highlight the recent success of Raman-based technologies in various applications, including: (1) on-site surface analysis and chemical-reaction monitoring; (2) on-site identification of cultural objects, archeological studies and planetary science; (3) in-vivo analysis of cells and microorganisms; (4) in-vivo diagnosis inside human and animal bodies; (5) in-vivo fast Raman imaging and mapping; (6) the study of SERS processes; and, (7) assessment of nanomaterial safety. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.